HK Problem?

[BDnoon]

I'm new to forums and you could say newbie to Home Theater. I have a HK AVR125 receiver, good speaker cables, Boston HD-7 fronts and a Polk CS1 Center. I've had/tried BIC,Sony,Boston CRC,Polk csr. The CS1 sounds the best but the problem I have is standing close to the center the CS1 sounds clear but on the couch and volume up it loses it, I've adj it so it is aimed right but it's like it goes flat. Could it be the receiver not putting out enough ?

 

[agarwalro]

Cant comment on what the issue might be... did you try HK tech support?

 

[BDnoon]

No I have not called them, I was just wondering if I need to invest in a higher power receiver or better speakers (Mirage OmniSat's?). I'm on a Wife imposed budget so I'm trying to put my money where it will count the most. I was going to get the matching Polk monitor 30's but with being unhappy with how the center is sounding I'm not sure now. I like to hear every detail in a movie(the set up is only for movies) Thanks!!

 

[agarwalro]

I just re-read your original post, you are using Boston mains and the Polk center. Its possible that the tonal mismatch between the mains and the center is causing the issue. In the near field (when you are up close to the center), the sound from the mains is not interfering. When you are sitting on the couch, you hear sound that is the superposition of the sound from all three ie. Main L,R and Center. That is why it is recommended to have the center tone matched to the mains. In the physical world it equates to same brand, same product line.

Also, how big is your listening area? While it is possible that the HK 125 is under powered for your needs, it may or may not be the cause of the issue.

 

[BDnoon]

That would make sense, I find I keep turning up the center volume so thats a good point! my room is 16 x 40 but the theater area is half that. I've been looking at the pioneer VSX-1016TXV-K receiver, I'm interested cuz it's higher powered and it's THX certified (and around my price range), does it being THX certified make that much difference?? Like I said. alot of this is new to me!!!! Thanks for the feedback!!! Also if I get the Monitor 40's they can be bi-wired, anyone have any comments on hooking them up that way?

 

[GTsmokeya]

whoa slow down

Easy there I personally sell both brands for living polk, HK, soon to cary boston. Here is my advice pick up a large boston center channel to smooth over the dialog. remember the center speaker is far more important than most people think you should spen a reasonable amount on this one. after you do that you may find no need to switch amplifiers. Plus if you do research into HK history and why they do not bother with THX certification you see why sticking with HK is a better choice than any pioneer reciever. remember for even speakers to be THX certified they all have to be the same size or else that does not matter. With that being said look into a center channel and I belive it will solve your problem from that if you want to go louder consider a stereo amp fro harmon website. this way tones will match from the originall sound. Thanks for reading

GTsmokeya

 

[BDnoon]

Thanks all for your input!!! My problem I think is working with mismatched components/speakers (with out much know how) and wonder why I'm not happy with my setup! I can see how important the center is now so I'll take your advice. Like alot of guys I've tryed to get great sound with being to skimpy on the dough!!! and thinking just one component will do the trick.That's what is great about these forums. Thanks again.